Anxiolytics

• A. Cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use that has been prolonged.

AND

• B. Two (or more) of the following, developing within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use described in Criterion A:

• 1. Autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100 bpm).

• 2. Hand tremor.

• 3. Insomnia.

• 4. Nausea or vomiting.

• 5. Transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions.

• 6. Psychomotor agitation.

• 7. Anxiety.

• 8. Grand mal seizures.

AND

C. The signs or symptoms in Criterion B cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

AND

D. The signs or symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication or withdrawal from another substance.

Specify if:

• With perceptual disturbances: This specifier may be noted when hallucinations with intact reality testing or auditory, visual, or tactile illusions occur in the absence of a delirium.

• A. Recent use of a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.

AND

• B. Clinically significant maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., inappropriate sexual or aggressive behavior, mood lability, impaired judgment) that developed during, or shortly after, sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.

AND

• C. One (or more) of the following signs or symptoms developing during, or shortly after,sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use:

1. Slurred speech.

2. Incoordination.

3. Unsteady gait.

4. Nystagmus.

5. Impairment in cognition (e.g., attention, memory).

6. Stupor or coma.

AND

• D. The signs or symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication with another substance.

• A. A problematic pattern of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

• 1. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

• 2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.

• 3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the sedative, hypnotic,or anxiolytic; use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic; or recover from its effects.

• 4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.

• 5. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences from work or poor work performance related to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use; sedative-,hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school;neglect of children or household).

• 6. Continued sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics (e.g., arguments with a spouse about consequences of intoxication; physical fights).

• 7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use.

• 8. Recurrent sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use).

• 9. Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.

• 10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following;

• a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic to achieve intoxication or desired effect.

• b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the sedative,hypnotic, or anxiolytic.

Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for individuals taking sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics under medical supervision.

• 11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

• a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics.

• b. Sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics (or a closely related substance, such as alcohol)are taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for individuals taking sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics under medical supervision.

Specify if:

• In early remission: After full criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder were previously met, none of the criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder have been met for at least 3 months but for less than 12 months (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic,” may be met).

• In sustained remission: After full criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder were previously met, none of the criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder have been met at any time during a period of 12 months or longer (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic,” may be met).

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment: This additional specifier is used if the individual is in an environment where access to sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics is restricted.